meandering after mascot

19Aug11

Thank you for all of your support of the MASCOT 2011 Camp. It’s unfathomable that the camp is over. I wish in this post that I could convey to you the atmosphere of our staff and campers…of the strong curriculum that was developed…of the discussions that were held on creating an inclusive society…of one of our boy campers who dressed and danced like Beyonce for one of the theme days…of the noise campers made when they watched MTV (mascot tv)…of the activities and discussions we had during staff training…of the campers’ faces and tears as MASCOT ended. The best conveyance will be the photos and videos that are beginning to surface the web….

What I love about social projects – what I love about camps – is that when projects are done well, the self is transformed simultaneously with the selves around it. Concerning camps, I’ve always known that I love being staff more than I love being a camper, because a staff has the responsibility to model what it means to be free and connected to possibility.

Almost as soon as the camp process shifted from planning to action with the arrival of staff, and the beginning to the pre-camp setup, I finally understood that the person I am at camp is actually the person I am, and that I can be that person in everything. Campers experience camp as the first opening to be able to grow and develop almost outside of all social pressures, and when they go home, it’s the adjustment/transition to a world that doesn’t work in the way that camp works.

Before this camp, I felt and understood that in offering youth the opportunity to participate in camp, we provide possibility and a moment’s breath. I now think camp does much more than this. I now believe that camp, especially MASCOT Camp, provides and equips both staff and campers with skills to see what the world could be, and step into that world – even if the definition of world is the microcosmic self.

However chaotic, stressful, and emotional MASCOT Camp was, it was also fluid, exciting, and incredible. It’s ironic that I’ve been a part of different projects, designed seminars, and been here for over 2 years, but this camp was the first camp where I actually understood that I’m good enough – that I can design projects and seminars and be successful. It’s good that my mind has caught up to reality, because this year is going to be really great. I can feel that in my last 9 months as a PCV, there will finally be full self-actualization and the projects we’re planning are going to be sustainable, challenging and exciting.

Over 2 years ago, at Staging (PC Orientation), before leaving America, I fell in love with the phrase pragmatic idealism, and that now, after everything, I feel more idealistic than ever. I also feel focused and committed, confident and patient, clear and responsive.

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